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Description
Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra, also known as Black Stem Hydrangea or Bigleaf Hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. This plant is native to Japan and Korea and can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra is a stunning plant that produces large blackish-purple blooms that are around 6 inches wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
Appearance
Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra has large, glossy green leaves that are around 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. The blooms of this plant are the main attraction, and they are unique compared to other hydrangea blooms due to their blackish-purple color. The blooms appear in the summer and can last for several weeks. The color of the blooms can vary depending on the pH of the soil, with acidic soil producing more blue blooms, and alkaline soil producing more pink blooms.
Care Guide
Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra requires regular maintenance to ensure healthy growth and longevity. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer to encourage healthy growth and blooming.- Soil: This plant prefers rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. You can adjust the pH of the soil by adding aluminum sulfate for blue blooms or lime for pink blooms.- Sunlight: Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and blooms.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These pests feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage and stunting growth.- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, reducing photosynthesis and weakening the plant.To prevent these issues, keep the plant healthy by following the care guide above and promptly treat any signs of pest or disease infestation.
Habitat
Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra is native to Japan and Korea, where it grows in forests and along stream banks. This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra grow in full sun?
A: This plant prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and blooms.Q: How often should I water Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Q: What is the pH range for Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra?
A: This plant prefers soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.Q: How tall can Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Hydrangea Macrophylla Nigra:- Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ (Endless Summer Hydrangea)- Hydrangea Paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ (Pee Gee Hydrangea)- Hydrangea Quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)- Hydrangea Arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea)
References
– University of Illinois Extension. Hydrangea Macrophylla. https://extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=320&PlantTypeID=2- Missouri Botanical Garden. Hydrangea Macrophylla. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283186&isprofile=0&- Royal Horticultural Society. Hydrangea Macrophylla. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10398/hydrangea-macrophylla/details
